The Physical Activity Prevalence and Contributing Factors among Women Receiving Antenatal Care in Low-Income Communities in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

If there are no medical or obstetrical complications, pregnant women should continue and maintain moderate intensity exercise during pregnancy under the supervision of their healthcare provider. In this study, we considered the prevalence and participants’ perception of factors affecting physical activity among pregnant women receiving antenatal care in low-income communities in Lusaka, Zambia. We used a mixed method design to collect both quantitative and qualitative data elements. The study population (N=250) comprised of all pregnant women aged 15-49 years who were receiving prenatal care at study sites regardless of their gestational age. For quantitative data, descriptive statistics were analyzed using Stata version 20-0 for Windows while, in qualitative data, a textual analysis was conducted to establish verifiable themes and categories. The participant’s physical activity prevalence was 82% and the level of exercise classification was moderate. Factors that influenced physical activity during pregnancy include physical body changes and symptoms of discomfort, influence of family and friends, housing's physical and social surroundings and absence of nurturing environment. These findings may be of use to public health practitioners, policy-makers and health professionals as they may help inform context-specific interventions that focus on increasing antenatal physical activity at the health facilities. These findings are important because health care providers should encourage increased physical activity during pregnancy, but treatment should be tailored to the unique needs of each patient.